Business Rural North Summer 2021

26 | Larger farms are benefiting from the Loaded Dorset Downs lambs (top). Ram shearing (below). Russell Fredric RURAL PEOPLE » Loaded Dorset Downs Stud P ete Fitz-Herbert’s hankering to be a good shepherd on his own account was one of the main motivations in establishing Loaded Dor- set Downs Stud. “I was looking to do something on my own when I was working for my father,” Pete says “I thought if I could get some Dorset Downs, they’re easy to identify and it was something to work with. I did lambing beats, but you never get to see the best animals on a lambing beat. “The difference with a stud that you can follow, is you get to handle the best animals.” He originally bought 10 ewes and a ram at the Feilding ewe and ram sale in 2012 and although he started on a small scale, it soon became apparent larger farms would benefit from the progeny. The stud is located on the leased family farm in Pakihikura Valley, northern Manawatu, which is owned by Bill and Gaylene Fitz-Herbert The farm comprises two hill blocks seven kilo- metres apart and has been run by Pete for the past six years. The stud now carries about 65 to 70 ewes and 40 hoggets and Pete is pleased to be able to offer 37 rams this summer. He is involved in the Dorset Down Breed Society, is passionate about both the breed and the quality of the rams he has grown and believes they have more vigour than their traditional terminal sire counterpart the Suffolk breeds. Known for their large, long body, the Dorset Down’s primary role has been that of producing superior prime lambs based on their high growth rates, superior muscling and leanness. “They’ve got good bone on them and if you are looking to produce heavy-weight lambs, if you’ve got a good carcass there’s plenty of space for the meat to hang on.” He seen a notable improvement in the amount of eye muscle from scanning during the past six years and this one of the main traits he selects for. Pete has also noted that the rams handle hot conditions better and keep working whereas he has seen South Suffolks lie in the shade in the same conditions. The Fitz-Herbert farm supports about 2000 commercial Romney ewes, 800 hoggets, half of which are lambed and 220 beef cows, including first calvers. Pete has experimented with crossing various breeds over the Romneys in an attempt to maintain hybrid vigour, however he has been cautious not to go too far along a particular tangent. He particularly enjoys working with the cattle and that they are less labour intensive. The bulk of the cattle have a Simmental base, but Pete is working towards a Simmental-Shorthorn cross cow with the older cows being crossed with a Charolais to create a three-way cross in their progeny. Weaners are sold to his father who has a fatten- ing block near Feilding. Pete is engaged to Erica Bentley who was not originally a farm girl, but has had “pretty much 10 years to become one,” he says. Their wedding will be held in the wool shed in April. “They’ve got good bone on them and if you are looking to produce heavy-weight lambs, if you’ve got a good carcass there’s plenty of space for the meat to hang on.” P 06 323 0255 M 027 928 8630 W farmworxbikes.co.nz - On Farm Service - New and Used Sales - Fully Equipped Workshop We share business journeys. AllanMcNeill has over 50 years of experience partnering with businesses of all shapes and sizes. We’re proud to support the Fitz-Herbert family and their Loaded Dorset Down stud. For trusted advice that supports your business growth contact us today. info@allanmcneill.co.nz 06 356 4808 (Palmerston North) 06 323 6114 (Feilding) www.allanmcneill.co.nz